MRSA
There has been a great deal of information in the media lately in regards to the incidences of MRSA around the nation. MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This means that the bacteria are resistant to the usual antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can cause a variety of infections, which are commonly referred to as “staph infections.” Symptoms of a MRSA infection include redness, warmth, swelling, pus, tenderness, pimples, boils or blisters. MRSA can easily be spread from person to person by direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact. Indirect contact happens when the infection gets onto a surface or item and then comes into contact with another person.
Frequent hand washing has been shown to be the most effective method of infection control for MRSA. Be sure to cover any sores or open areas before sending your child to school. If your child has a suspicious sore, take them to your family doctor. Our school has installed numerous hand sanitizer pumps throughout the school and students are encouraged to use them frequently. Our teachers have each received a MRSA fact sheet to post in their rooms.